This weekend is Divine Mercy Sunday, where we recall the absolute mercy and love that Jesus has for all humanity.

The world desperately needs to deepen our understanding and experience of the depth and breadth of God’s divine mercy and love for us and for all the world….. It is at the heart of God’s nature.. and at the heart of God’s relationship with us, who are his beloved people- his sons and daughters.

We see Our Lord’s mercy and love at work in the gospel this weekend. Thomas doubted, but Our Lord did not punish him for his lack of faith. He instead sees deep into Thomas’ heart and sees the pain and loss and crushed hopes that caused Thomas to ‘not dare to believe’ that the Lord could be risen, as much as he wanted this to be so. Jesus meets him where he is … and leads him to see and believe… And this compassion, love and mercy produce such astounding fruits. For Thomas, who so recently could not bring himself to accept this wonderful news, is now the first to declare the complete truth of Christ’s identity. He is our Lord.. and our God!! The Risen Lord twice says the words “peace be with you.” Jesus is offering us true PEACE…. and it is something we desire very deeply….. (The world is crying out for deep and abiding peace).

Jesus appears to his disciples to reassure them of the reality of the forgiveness he has won for us by his death and resurrection….. We can truly be at peace and trust in Jesus’ promise that he does indeed desire to free us from our burdens and forgive us our sins….. Our lord of astounding mercy does not want us to continue to be bowed-down and burdened by our sins and past mistakes…… God does not want us stuck in our mistakes, as we would surely be forever if not for his gracious compassion.

His, is a message of enormous hope…. He implores us…. doubt no longer… but believe…. trust in my love…. trust in my forgiveness….. believe that I do offer you the means to real and lasting peace ….

Jesus gently chides and invites us too… Do you doubt in my mercy? Do you dare to think yourself unforgivable and unforgiven when I have declared you absolved? Happy indeed are those who believe! Also, the gospel today ends with the writer of John’s gospel saying…. there are more things that happened in relation to Jesus…. but they are not all written here…..

WE, (these many, many years after Jesus walked the earth)….. we too are witnesses to what Jesus continues to do in our world even today….. We are called to be ministers of mercy, Instruments of Christ’s peace….agents of God’s reconciliation, and ministers of grace…. and ambassadors of Christ’s love….. The importance of the community cannot be understated either…… in the first reading we hear of an ideal community…. they pray together… they learn together… they share their resources to help and support each other….especially those in need. Our faith community exists so that we might assist, build up and strength each other…. especially our brothers and sisters who are struggling…… Jesus calls us to be a community of disciples looking outward towards the world and ready to make a practical difference for good….Our faith tradition tells us that to understand and believe in Christ, we must read the Scriptures and meditate on them. We must also come to know other believers and listen to each other’s experience with our hearts and minds. Christianity is a religion that preaches Jesus crucified and risen, and active in the community of those who believe in Him.Today let us ask Saint Thomas to intercede for us that we can believe more deeply in the great mystery of salvation. Let us be patient with our doubts and keep looking for the truth of Christ's presence in the midst of the everyday events and people of our lives.

Most of all, let us rejoice in the Lord who loves us, forgives us our sins, and invites us deeper into these mysteries.May we continue to be built up by the risen Christ to be disciples who rejoice in being a community for the good of each other and for the common good of all…… Ministers of Jesus’ graciousness and care…..Jesus brings us peace and (having given us the gift of his peace), immediately commissions us to go out and put his message into action, by acts of charity, love and support for everyone we meet….+++++References:Fr Paul W. Kelly

The Lord be with you.+++++++++++++Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins,and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.Lord Jesus, you are mighty God and Prince of peace. Lord have mercy// You are Son of God and the Son of Mary. Christ have mercy// You are Word made flesh, the splendour of the Father. Lord have mercy. May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.+++++++++++++Memorial AcclamationWhen we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.